Optical fiber cable drop interface box
AssigneePpc Broadband, Inc.
InventorsNicholas B. Larsson, Andrew E. Swienton, George I. Wakileh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of a drop interface box (DIB) for interfacing between an optical network service provider's heavy jacketed drop cable and optical distribution cables at a premises. The DIB provides organized drop, feed and distribution fiber cable storage and routing in a manner which does not cross different cables types when additional cables are added, and which maintains minimum bend radius of the cables and inhibits cable strain. In exemplary embodiments, a hinged fiber storage panel includes spools, cable clips and integrated cable channels that maintain cable radius during transitions of cables from a storage side or plane of the panel to a connector side or plane of the panel.
Claims26
A drop interface box configured to be mounted to a structure and to receive a drop cable from an optical fiber service provider distribution point and a plurality of distribution cables which distribute the optical fiber service, the drop interface box comprising:
- a base unit having a drop cable entrance configured to receive the drop cable and having drop cable retaining mechanisms spaced apart and configured to retain a length of drop cable looped around the drop cable retaining mechanisms;
- a cover having a hinged connection to the base unit to selectively enclose a storage area provided in the base unit;
- and
- a fiber storage panel having a hinged connection to the base unit on a side opposite the hinged connection of the cover to the base unit such that the fiber storage panel is moveable relative to the base unit and configured to be stored between the base unit and the cover, the fiber storage panel having first spools positioned to store a plurality of feed break-out cables coupleable to the drop cable, the fiber storage panel further having second spools positioned to store a plurality of distribution cables coupleable to the plurality of feed break-out cables.
A drop interface box configured to be mounted to a structure and to receive a drop cable from an optical fiber service provider distribution point and a plurality of distribution cables which distribute the optical fiber service, the drop interface box comprising:
- a base unit having a drop cable entrance configured to receive the drop cable and having drop cable retaining mechanisms spaced apart and configured to retain a length of drop cable looped around the drop cable retaining mechanisms;
- a cover having a hinged connection to the base unit to selectively enclose a storage area provided in the base unit;
- and
- a fiber storage panel having first and second sides and being moveable relative to the base unit and configured to be stored between the base unit and the cover, the fiber storage panel having first spools positioned to store a plurality of feed break-out cables coupleable to the drop cable, second spools positioned to store a plurality of distribution cables coupleable to the plurality of feed break-out cables, and an adapter bracket configured to hold one or more adapters which couple the plurality of feed break-out cables to the plurality of distribution cables, wherein the adapter bracket is positioned on the first side of the fiber storage panel, and the first spools and second spools are positioned on the second side of the fiber storage panel, and wherein the fiber storage panel further includes a first set of cable storage clips positioned on the second side of the fiber storage panel proximate the first spools to store the plurality of feed break-out cables, and a second set of cable storage clips positioned on the second side of the fiber storage panel proximate the second spools to store the plurality of distribution cables.
A drop interface box configured to be mounted to a structure and to receive a drop cable from an optical fiber service provider distribution point and a plurality of distribution cables which distribute the optical fiber service, the drop interface box comprising:
- a base unit having a drop cable entrance configured to receive the drop cable and having drop cable retaining mechanisms spaced apart and configured to retain a length of drop cable looped around the drop cable retaining mechanisms;
- a cover having a hinged connection to the base unit to selectively enclose a storage area provided in the base unit;
- and
- a fiber storage panel having first and second sides and being moveable relative to the base unit and configured to be stored between the base unit and the cover, the fiber storage panel having first spools positioned to store a plurality of feed break-out cables coupleable to the drop cable, second spools positioned to store a plurality of distribution cables coupleable to the plurality of feed break-out cables, and an adapter bracket configured to hold one or more adapters which couple the plurality of feed break-out cables to the plurality of distribution cables, wherein the adapter bracket is positioned on the first side of the fiber storage panel, and the first spools and second spools are positioned on the second side of the fiber storage panel, wherein the fiber storage panel further comprises a first routing channel and a second routing channel, the first routing channel configured to provide a routing path for transitioning the plurality of feed break-out cables between the first and second sides of the fiber storage panel, the second routing channel configured to provide a routing path for transitioning the plurality of distribution cables between the first and second sides of the fiber storage panel.
A drop interface box configured to be mounted to a structure and to receive a drop cable from an optical fiber service provider distribution point and a plurality of distribution cables which distribute the optical fiber service, the drop interface box comprising:
- a base unit having a drop cable entrance configured to receive the drop cable and having drop cable retaining mechanisms spaced apart and configured to retain a length of drop cable looped around the drop cable retaining mechanisms;
- a cover having a hinged connection to the base unit to selectively enclose a first storage area provided in the base unit;
- and
- a fiber storage panel having a hinged connection to the base unit on a side opposite the hinged connection of the cover to the base unit such that the fiber storage panel is moveable relative to the base unit and configured to be stored between the base unit and the cover, the fiber storage panel having first spools positioned to store a plurality of feed break-out cables coupleable to the drop cable, the fiber storage panel further having second spools positioned to store a plurality of distribution cables coupleable to the plurality of feed break-out cables, the fiber storage panel still further having a second storage area proximate the fiber storage panel hinged connection for transitioning the plurality of feed break-out cables from the drop cable to the first spools.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.